City Council plans gradual rollout of new water utility policies for landlords

In a significant move to streamline water utility management, Sequim City Council discussed a new policy aimed at eliminating the administrative burden of transferring water accounts between tenants and property owners. During the recent work session, city officials highlighted the challenges of the current system, which requires frequent account changes and deposits every time a tenant moves in or out.

The proposed changes come in response to a new state law that prohibits water shutoffs during heat events, as well as existing policies that already prevent shutoffs during cold events. City staff emphasized the need to simplify procedures, stating, "We want to eliminate that kind of administrative craziness on the part of finance staff."

Under the new policy, water accounts will remain in the property owner's name, even during tenant transitions. This approach aims to reduce the time and resources spent on managing account changes, which previously took several days to process. City officials plan to implement this change gradually, ensuring that property owners are informed and can adjust their rental rates accordingly.

A deliberate marketing campaign is also in the works to educate property owners about the new system, which is expected to roll out slowly throughout 2025. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the efficiency of city services while maintaining compliance with state regulations. The City Council is set to review the proposal further at the next meeting, where they will direct staff to schedule a second discussion on the matter.